Independence

Hello again!

Today is the 4th of July, and here in the States we celebrate our Independence Day. Many folks focus on their BBQ grills, slabs of meat, fireworks, and lots of imbibing. Spending a day in the sun with friends and family as we celebrate the 236th birthday of our nation. What's not to celebrate?

In my neck of the woods - yes, I mean literal woods - we plan on having a simpler gathering around the fire with family. But first, some chores like tidying the common areas, mowing the lawn, planting some plants, and of course, petting the little Percy and Merlin cats. :)

Independence is an interesting term, it implies that there is some way to "break away" or "get away" from something else. In other words, a separation. In my spiritual point of view, we are interdependent with all other things. We are all in this together, however you may perceive that good, bad, or indifferent. Every moment is a chance to take who you are and become more through your traversing this adventure called life. Each time we show up, step up, and be who we are fully, we engage the world with love, joy, and a deep knowing.

Independence can be thought of in another way, focus or lack of focus. That is to say, when we focus on something, we are, in a way, dependent on it as a reference. We focus our attention on a thought or an action, and it becomes part of our experience. When we do not focus on something, especially if it something we have never encountered before, we can say we are not influenced by or, in other words, independent of it in our experience. Yet, as the six degrees of separation principle suggests, we are not very far removed from any other's experience. So, even though we are not directly in contact with such an experience does not mean we cannot be influenced by someone who has had that experience.

What to do?

I suggest you look deep within yourself. Recognize that you are a part of the matrix of life, and open yourself up to this deeper, wiser, and loving connection. Independence, then, is simply a way of separating, at least intellectually, from others. Instead, let us look for ways to find common ground, common interests, common goals, and celebrate the differences between us that make the world such an amazing place to adventure!

Happy Interdependence Day!